- i 


cj>e  UncRoronGD 

KIDG. 


■p 


“WUtl)  tije  fjeljj  of  <Kott  K tot U fjolU  tfjc 
i3alancc  Irfapf.” 


' 


. 


CHINESE  GORDON 

THE  UNCROWNED  KING 


HIS  CHARACTER  AS  IT  IS  PORTRAYED  IN  HIS  PRIVATE 
LETTERS 


COMPILED  BY 

K 

LAURA  C.  HOLLOWAY 


NEW  YORK 

FUNK  & WAGNALLS 

10  AND  12  Dey  Stpeet 

1885 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1885,  by 
LAURA  C.  HOLLOWAY, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


< < Arrived  at  Khartoum , he  had  to  submit  to  the 
ceremony  of  installation.  The  Cadi  read  the  fir- 
man and  presented  an  address , a royal  salute  was 
fired , and  then  Gordon  had  to  make  his  speech 
from  the  vice-throne.  It  was  very  shorty  but  ‘ it 
pleased  the  people  much.  ’ The  pithy  sentence  he 
uttered  was , 4 With  the  help  of  God  I will  hold  the 
balance  level  / 5 and  then , as  not  he  records , he 
‘ directed  gratuities  to  be  distributed  to  the  deserv- 
ing poor,  and  in  three  days  he  gave  away  upward 
of  a thousand  pounds  of  his  own  money.'  ” — 
Fobbes’  Life  of  Gobdon. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


https://archive.org/details/chinesegordonuncOOgord 


BY  WAY  OF  INTRODUCTION. 


The  hero  of  the  Soudan  is  the  subject  of 
universal  interest,  and  his  character  is  admired 
by  all  who  can  appreciate  the  incarnation  of  the 
world’s  highest  ideal  of  manhood.  After  a career 
of  enthusiastic  unselfishness,  spent  in  the  service  of 
his  race,  his  martyr’s  fate  was  its  fit  culmination. 

The  inner  life  of  this  uncrowned  king,  which  is 
clearly  portrayed  in  the  excerpts  from  his  private 
letters,  compiled  in  this  little  book,  is  worthy  the 
earnest  study  of  the  race,  for  Gordon  was  God’s 
best  gift  to  man — a hero. 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


THE  UNCKOWKED  KING. 


My  only  consolation  is  that  everything  is  for  the 
best. 

I have  no  right  to  possess  anything,  having  once 
given  myself  to  God. 

The  Mussulman  worships  God  as  well  as  1 do, 
and  is  as  acceptable,  if  sincere,  as  any  Christian. 

I care  nothing  for  a high  name.  As  for  honors, 
I do  not  value  them  at  all,  and  never  did. 

Answer  to  an  Invitation  to  Dinner . — “ Ask  the 
poor  and  sick  ; don’t  ask  me,  who  have  enough  !” 

I am  so  glad  to  get  away  (from  Cairo),  for  I am 
very  weary.  I go  up  alone,  with  an  infinite  Al- 
mighty God  to  direct  and  guide  me  ; and  am  glad 
to  so  trust  Him  as  to  fear  nothing,  and,  indeed, 
to  feel  sure  of  success. 

Praying  for  the  people  ahead  of  me  whom  I am 
about  to  visit,  gives  me  much  strength  ; and  it  is 
wonderful  how  something  seems  already  to  have 


8 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


passed  between  us  when  I meet  a chief  (for  whom 
I have  prayed)  for  the  first  time.  On  this  I base 
my  hopes  of  a triumphant  march  to  Fascher.  I have 
really  no  troops  with  me,  hut  1 have  the  Shekinah, 
and  I do  like  trusting  to  Him  and  not  to  men. 
Remember,  unless  He  gave  me  the  confidence  and 
encouraged  me  to  trust  Him,  I could  not  have  it ; 
and  so  1 consider  that  I have  the  earnest  of  success 
in  this  confidence. 

I,  for  one,  do  not  care  about  being  “ lamented  5J 
after  death.  Do  not  think  I am  ill-tempered,  but 
I do  not  care  one  jot  about  my  promotion  or  what 
people  may  say.  1 know  I shall  leave  China  as 
poor  as  I entered  it,  but  with  the  knowledge  that 
through  my  weak  instrumentality  upward  of  eighty 
to  one  hundred  thousand  lives  have  been  spared. 
I want  no  further  satisfaction  than  this. 

Who  art  thou  to  be  afraid  of  a man  ? If  He 
wills,  I will  shake  all  this  in  some  way  not  clear  to 
me  now.  Do  not  think  I am  an  egotist.  We 
have  a king  mightier  than  these,  and  more  endur- 
ing riches  and  power  in  Him  than  we  can  have  in 
this  world.  I will  not  bow  to  Haman. 

God  knows  what  my  anxiety  was.  Not  for 
my  life,  for  I died  years  ago  to  all  ties  in  this  world 
and  to  all  its  comforts,  honors,  and  glories. 


THE  UHCROWHED  KIHGr. 


9 


If  we  could  take  all  tilings  as  ordained  and  for 
the  best,  we  should  indeed  be  conquerors  of  the 
world.  Nothing  has  ever  happened  to  man  so  bad 
as  he  has  anticipated  it  to  be.  If  we  should  be 
quiet  under  our  troubles,  they  would  not  be  so  pain- 
ful to  bear.  I cannot  separate  the  existence  of  a 
God  from  His  pre-ordination  and  direction  of  all 
things  good  and  evil  ; the  latter  He  permits,  but 
still  controls. 

God  has  given  you  ties  and  anchors  to  this 
earth  ; you  have  wives  and  families  ; I,  thank  God, 
have  none  of  them,  and  am  free.  . . . You 

are  only  called  on  at  intervals  to  rely  on  your  God  ; 
I am  obliged  continually  to  do  so.  I mean  by  this 
that  you  have  only  great  trials,  such  as  the  illness 
of-  a child,  when  you  feel  yourself  utterly  weak, 
now  and  then.  I am  constantly  in  anxiety.  The 
body  rebels  against  this  constant  leaning  on  God  ; 
it  is  a heavy  strain  on  it  ; it  causes  appetite  to  cease. 

Find  me  the  man— and  I will  take  him  as  my  help 
— who  utterly  despises  money,  name,  glory,  honor 
— one  who  never  wishes  to  see  his  home  again,  one 
who  looks  to  God  as  the  source  of  good  and  con- 
troller of  evil,  one  who  has  a healthy  body  and  an 
energetic  spirit,  and  one  who  looks  on  death  as  a 
release  from  misery.  If  you  cannot  find  him,  then 
leave  me  alone. 


10 


CHINESE  GOKDON, 


I feel  a great  contentment.  A star  when  it 
makes  its  highest  point  is  said  to  have  culminated  ; 
and  I feel  1 have  culminated — i. e. , I wish  for  no 
higher  or  other  post  than  the  one  I have  ; and  1 
know  I cannot  be  removed  unless  it  is  God’s  will, 
so  I rest  on  a rock,  and  can  be  content.  Many 
would  wish  a culminating  point  with  less  wear  and 
tear.  But  that  very  wear  and  tear  makes  me  cling 
more  to  the  place,  and  I thank  God.  He  has  made 
me  succeed,  not  in  any  very  glorious  way,  but  in 
a substantial  and  lasting  manner.  1 entirely  take 
that  prophecy  of  Isaiah  as  my  own,  and  work  to 
it  as  far  as  1 can* 

It  is  a delightful  thing  to  be  a fatalist,  not  as 
that  word  is  generally  employed,  but  to  accept  that, 
when  things  happen  and  not  before.  God  has  for 
some  wise  reason  so  ordained  them  to  happen — all 
things,  not  only  the  great  things,  but  all  the  cir- 
cumstances of  life  ; that  is  what  is  meant  to  me  by 
the  words,  “ you  are  dead,”  in  St.  Paul  to  Colos- 
sians. 

I have  four  English  officers  with  me  ; we  wear 
anything  we  can  get,  and  the  men  are  almost  in  rags. 

* “ And  it  shall  be  for  a sign  and  for  a witness  unto  the 
Lord  of  hosts  in  the  land  of  Egypt  : for  they  shall  cry  unto  the 
Lord  because  of  the  oppressors,  and  He  shall  send  them  a 
saviour,  and  a great  one,  and  He  shall  deliver  them.’' 


THE  UHCROWiN’ED  KLN’G. 


11 


Cowardly,  effeminate,  lying  brutes  these  Arabs 
and  Soudanese  ! without  any  good  point  about 
them  that  1 have  seen.  It  is  degrading  to  call 
these  leaders  and  these  men  officers  and  soldiers 
— I wish  they  had  one  neck,  and  that  some  one 
would  squeeze  it  ! When  not  obliged,  I keep  as 
far  away  as  I can  from  them,  out  of  ear-shot  of 
their  voices.  It  is  not  the  climate,  it  is  not  the 
natives,  but  it  is  the  soldiery  which  is  my  horror. 

J\Iy  idea  is  that  the  restoration  of  the  country 
should  be  made  to  the  different  petty  sultans  who 
existed  at  the  time  of  Mehemet  Ali’s  conquest,  and 
whose  families  still  exist  ; that  the  Mahdi  should  be 
left  altogether  out  of  the  calculation  as  regards  the 
handing  over  .the  country  ; and  that  it  should  be 
optional  with  the  sultans  to  accept  his  supremacy 
or  not.  1 doubt  much  the  liberation  of  the  slaves 
in  the  twelve  years  (according  to  the  convention), 
of  which  there  now  remains  nine.  Who  will  do  it  ? 

I prayed  heartily  for  an  issue  (in  going  to  Dara), 
but  it  gave  me  a pain  in  the  heart  like  that  I had 
when  surrounded  at  Masindi.  I do  not  fear  death, 
but  1 fear,  from  want  of  faith,  the  result  of  my 
death,  for  the  whole  country  would  have  risen.  It 
is  indeed  most  painful  to  be  in  such  a position  ; 
it  takes  a year’s  work  out  of  me. 


12 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


I am  neither  a Napoleon  nor  a Colbert.  I do  not 
profess  either  to  have  been  a great  ruler  or  a great 
financier  ; but  I can  say  this — 1 have  cut  off  the 
slave-dealers  in  their  strongholds,  and  1 made  the 
people  love  me. 

I must  not  complain  if  they  (the  natives)  have 
no  thought  of  what  I have  already  gone  through. 
There  is  only  one  issue  to  it,  and  that  is  death,  and 
I often  feel  I wish  it  would  come  and  relieve  me. 

I have  certainly  got  into  a slough  with  the  Sou- 
dan ; but  looking  at  my  Banker,  my  Commander- 
in-chief,  and  my  Administrator,  it  will  be  wonderful 
if  I do  not  get  out  of  it.  If  1 had  not  got  this 
Almighty  Power  to  back  me  in  His  infinite  wis- 
dom, I do  not  know  how  I could  ever  think  of 
what  is  to  be  done. 

It  is  lamentable  work,  and  over  and  over  again 
in  the  fearful  heat  I wish  I was  in  the  other  world. 
When  I look  back  on  the  hours  and  hours  of  wait- 
ing for  this  and  that,  during  China  and  later  cam- 
paigns, and  here,  I really  think  few  men  have  had 
such  worries  in  this  way.  But  I am  wrong  in  it  ; 
the  lot  is  cast  evenly  to  us  all.  We  are  servants  ; 
sometimes  our  Master  gives  us  work,  and  at  others 
lie  does  not,  and  our  feelings  in  both  circumstances 
should  be  the  same.  All  I can  say  is,  that  this  in- 


THE  UNCROWNED  KING. 


13 


action,  with  so  much  to  do  elsewhere,  is  very  trying 
indeed  to  my  body. 

I have  just  seen  Khalifa  Atra,  who  reigned  for  a 
few  hours  (as  Ameer),  and  I told  him  it  was  better 
to  be  humble,  and  not  high,  than  to  be  proud  and 
elevated,  for  a fall  has  always  to  be  feared  ; if  one 
is  near  the  ground  one  cannot  fall  very  far. 

I esteem  it  a far  greater  honor  to  promote  peace 
than  to  gain  any  paltry  honors  in  a wretched  war. 

There  would  be  no  one  so  unwelcome  to  come 
and  reside  in  the  world  as  Christ  while  the  world 
is  in  the  state  it  now  is.  He  would  be  dead  against — 
say,  nearly  all  of  our  pursuits,  and  be  altogether 
outrd.  1 gave  you  Watson  on  Contentment  ; it  is 
this  true  exposition  of  how  happiness  is  to  be  ob- 
tained— i.e.,  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  what- 
ever that  will  may  be  ; he  who  can  say  he  realizes 
this  has  overcome  the  world  and  its  trials.  Every- 
thing that  happens  to-day,  good  or  evil,  is  settled 
and  fixed,  and  it  is  no  use  fretting  over  it.  The 
quiet,  peaceful  life  of  our  Lord  was  solely  due  to 
His  submission  to  God’s  will.  There  will  be  times 
when  a strain  will  come  on  me,  and  as  the  strain 
so  will  your  strength  be. 

The  future  world  has  been  somehow  painted  to 
our  mind  as  a place  of  continuous  praise  ; and 


14 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


tliongli  we  may  not  say  it,  yet  one  cannot  help  feel- 
ing that,  if  thus,  it  would  prove  monotonous.  It 
cannot  be  thus.  It  must  be  a life  of  activity  ; for 
happiness  is  dependent  on  activity.  Death  is  cessa- 
tion of  movement  ; life  is  all  movement. 

Poor  little  wretches,  (slaves,)  only  stomachs  and 
heads,  with  antennae  for  legs  and  arms — the  enor- 
mous stomachs  caused  by  grass-feeding. 

The  Soudan  is  a useless  possession,  ever  was  so, 
and  ever  will  be  so.  Larger  than  Germany,  France, 
and  Spain  together,  and  mostly  barren,  it  cannot 
be  governed  except  by  a Dictator  who  may  be  good 
or  bad.  If  bad,  he  will  cause  constant  revolts.  No 
one  who  has  ever  lived  in  the  Soudan  can  escape 
the  reflection,  “ What  a useless  possession  is  this 
land  !”  Few  men,  also,  can  stand  its  fearful  mo- 
notony and  deadly  climate. 

As  for  tax- collecting,  or  any  government  existing 
outside  the  forts,  it  is  all  nonsense.  Y ou  cannot  go 
out  in  safety  half  a mile — all  because  they  have 
been  fighting  the  poor  natives  and  taking  their 
cattle. 

It  pains  me  what  sufferings  my  poor  Khedive 
Ismail  had  to  go  through. 

My  occupying  this  city  enables  the  Imperial  Gov- 


THE  UiTCROWKED  KING. 


15 


eminent  to  protect  an  enormous  district,  rich  in 
corn,  etc.,  and  the  people  around  are  so  thankful  for 
their  release  that  it  is  quite  a pleasure.  ...  You 
may  hear  of  cruelties  being  committed  ; do  not  be- 
lieve them. 

My  poor  escort,  where  is  it  ? Imagine  to  your- 
self a single,  dirty,  red-faced  man  on  a camel  orna- 
mented with  flies,  arriving  in  the  divan  all  of  a 
sudden  ! 

Gordon's  interview  with  King  John  of  Abyssinia. 

Do  you  know,  Gordon  Pasha,  that  I could  kill 
you  on  the  spot  if  I liked  V9  ‘‘I  am  perfectly  well 
aware  of  it,  your  Majesty,”  said  the  Pasha.  “ Do 
so  at  once  if  it  is  your  royal  pleasure.  I am 
ready.” 

This  disconcerted  the  king  still  more,  and  he  ex- 
claimed, u What  ! ready  to  be  killed  V9  “ Cer- 
tainly,” replied  the  Pasha  ; “ I am  always  ready  to 
die,  and  so  far  from  fearing  your  putting  me  to 
death,  you  would  confer  a favor  on  me  by  so  doing  ; 
for  you  would  be  doing  for  me  that  which  I am 
precluded  by  my  religious  scruples  from  doing  for 
myself — you  would  relieve  me  from  all  the  troubles 
and  misfortunes  which  the  future  may  have  in  store 
for  me.” 

This  completely  staggered  King  .John,  who 


16 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


gasped  out  In  despair,  44  Then,  my  power  has  no 
terrors  for  you  ?” 

44  Hone  whatever,”  was  the  Pasha’s  laconic  re- 
ply. His  Majesty,  it  is  needless  to  add,  instantly 
collapsed. 

Ho  man  ever  had  a harder  task  than  I,  unaided, 
have  before  me  ; but  it  sits  as  a feather  on  me.  As 
Solomon  asked,  I ask  wisdom  to  govern  this  great 
people  ; and  not  only  He  will  give  it,  but  all  else 
besides.  And  why  ? Because  I value  not  the 
4 4 all  besides.”  1 am  quite  as  averse  to  slavery,  and 
even  more  so  than  most  people.  I show  it  by  sac- 
rificing myself  in  these  lands,  which  are  no  Para- 
dise. I have  naught  to  gain  in  name  or  riches.  I 
do  not  care  what  men  may  say.  I do  what  1 think 
is  pleasing  to  my  God  ; and,  as  far  as  man  goes,  I 
need  nothing  from  any  one.  The  Khedive  never 
had  directly  gained  any  revenue  from  slaves.  1 
now  hold  this  place  here  ; and  I,  who  am  on  the 
spot  with  unlimited  power,  am  able  to  judge  how 
impotent  he,  at  Cairo,  is  to  stop  the  slave  trade.  I 
can  doit  with  God’s  help,  and  I have  the  conviction 
He  has  destined  me  to  do  it  ; for  it  was  much 
against  my  will  I came  here.  What  I have  to  do 
is  to  settle  matters  that  I do  not  cause  a revolution 
on  my  own  death — not  that  I value  life.  1 have 
done  with  its  comforts  in  coming  liqre.  My  work 


THE  UNCROWNED  KlisGr. 


17 


is  great,  bnt  does  not  weigli  me  down.  I go  on  as 
straight  as  I can.  1 feel  my  own  weakness,  and 
look  to  Him  who  is  almighty  ; and  I leave  the  issue, 
without  inordinate  care,  to  Him.  1 expect  to  ride 
five  thousand  miles  this  year  if  I am  spared.  I am 
quite  alone,  and  like  it.  I have  become  what  peo- 
ple call  a great  fatalist — viz.,  I trust  God  will  pull 
me  through  every  difficulty.  The  solitary  grandeur 
of  the  desert  makes  me  feel  how  vain  is  the  effort 
of  man.  This  carries  me  through  my  troubles,  and 
enables  me  to  look  on  death  as  a coming  relief  when 
it  is  His  will.  . . . It  is  only  my  firm  convic- 

tion that  I am  only  an  instrument  put  in  use  for  a 
time  that  enables  me  to  bear  up  ; and  in  my  pres- 
ent state,  during  my  long,  hot,  weary  rides,  I 
think  my  thoughts  better  and  clearer  than  I should 
with  a companion. 

W e have  nothing  further  to  do  when  the  scroll 
of  events  is  unrolled  than  to  accept  them  as  being 
for  the  best.  Before  it  is  unrolled  it  is  another 
matter  ; and  you  could  not  say  I sat  still  and  let 
things  happen  with  this  belief.  All  I can  say  is, 
that  amid  troubles  and  worries,  no  one  can  have 
peace  till  he  thus  stays  upon  his  God  ; it  gives  a 
man  a superhuman  strength. 

Self  is  the  best  officer  to  do  anything  for  you. 


18 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


To  forget  anything  comes  to  the  same  thing  as  to 
refuse  to  execute  it  ; indeed,  is  somewhat  worse. 

I will  let  captured  slaves  go  down  to  Egypt  and 
not  molest  them,  and  1 will  do  what  I like  and  what 
God  in  His  mercy  may  direct  me  to  do  about  domes- 
tic slaves  ; hut  I will  break  the  neck  of  slave  raids, 
even  if  it  cost  me  my  life. 

I have  seen  Li  Hung  Chang,  and  he  wishes  me 
to  stay  with  him.  I cannot  desert  China  in  her 
present  crisis,  and  would  he  free  to  act  as  I think 
fit.  I therefore  beg  to  resign  my  commission  in 
Her  Majesty’s  service. 

In  all  natures,  however  savage,  there  is  something 
good. 

I often  think  how  small  the  office-work  gener- 
ally is  with  us  in  England  in  our  great  offices,  in 
comparison  with  the  questions  one  has  to  decide 
here.  In  the  one  case  a few  pounds  are  in  dispute  ; 
in  the  other  case  the  whole  tenure  and  the  destinies 
of  human  beings  are  a question.  In  reality  both 
are  equally  important,  so  far  as  the  effect  on  our- 
selves is  concerned.  The  procuring  and  boiling  of 
potatoes  is  as  much  to  a poor  woman  as  the  reor- 
ganization of  the  army  is  to  Cardwell. 

Search  myself  as  I will,  I find  that  in  all  my 


THE  UNCEOWNED  KING. 


19 


career  I can  lay  no  claim  to  cleverness,  discretion,  or 
wisdom.  My  success  has  been  due  to  a series  of 
(called  by  the  world)  flukes.  My  sense  of  inde- 
pendence is  gone.  1 own  nothing  and  am  nothing. 
I am  a pauper,  and  seem  to  have  ceased  to  exist. 
A sack  of  rice  jolting  along  on  a camel  would  do  as 
much  as  I think  1 do.  But  how  different  it  is  in 
appearance  to  the  world  ! 

Whether  I succeed  in  being  heard  or  not  is  not 
in  my  hands.  I protest,  however,  against  being 
regarded  as  one  who  wishes  for  war  in  any  country, 
far  less  in  China.  In  the  event  of  war  breaking  out, 
I could  not  answer  how  I should  act  for  the  pres- 
ent ; but  I shall  ardently  desire  a speedy  peace. 

It  is  one  comfort  to  be  utterly  uncomfortable, 
for  it  cannot  be  worse,  and  may  be  better. 

We  must  confess  that  it  is  far  easier  to  say  go  and 
do  this  or  that  than  to  do  it. 

If  I followed  my  own  desire,  1 should  leave  now 
(China),  as  I have  escaped  unscathed,  and  been  won- 
derfully successful.  I do  not  apprehend  that  the 
rebellion  will  last  six  months  longer  if  I take  the 
field.  It  may  last  six  years  if  I leave. 

1 never  want  anything  published.  I am  sure  it 
does  no  good,  and  makes  people  chary  of  writing. 


20 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


His  Higliness  threw  me  over  completely  at  the 
last  moment  ; but  far  from  being  angry,  I was  very 
glad,  for  it  relieved  me  of  a great  deal  of  trouble, 
and  he  said  I might  go  at  the  end  of  next  week.  I 
laugh  at  all  this  farce.  I left  Cairo  with  no  honors, 
by  the  ordinary  train,  paying  my  fare.  The  sun, 
which  rose  with  such  splendor,  set  in  the  deepest 
obscurity.  His  Highness  was  bored  with  me  after 
my  failure,  and  could  not  bear  the  sight  of  me, 
which  those  around  him  soon  knew.  1 do  not 
know  how  matters  will  end  with  me,  for  I was  too 
outspoken  at  Cairo  to  have  strengthened  my  posi- 
tion. When  one  depends  on  one  man,  a bit  of 
cheese  or  a fig  will  cause,  perhaps,  a change  in  that 
man’s  digestion  and  temper. 

You  may  rely  on  this,  that  if  there  was  any  pos- 
sible way  of  avoiding  these  wretched  fights,  1 should 
adopt  it,  for  the  whole  war  is  hateful  to  me. 

What  could  I do  ? I could  only  address  the 
Arabs  with  me,  and  tell  them  that  if  they  took 
Mussulmans  as  slaves  they  did  it  against  the  com- 
mand of  the  Koran  ; and  I took  sand  and  washed 
my  hands,  in  order  that  they  might  see  1 put  on 
them  the  responsibility  of  the  decision. 

No  one  can  conceive  what  my  officers  and  troops 
are  ! I will  say  no  more  than  that  for  my  own 


THE  UJs CROWDED  KING, 


21 


personal  safety  I must  get  two  hundred  men  as  a 
body-guard.  I do  not  think  one  of  the  enemy  was 
killed  at  the  assault  of  the  station.  Not  one  ought 
to  have  escaped.  I was  sickened  to  see  twenty 
brave  men  in  alliance  with  me  ride  out  to  meet  the 
Leopard  tribe,  unsupported  by  my  men,  who 
crowded  the  stockade  ! It  was  terribly  painful. 
The  only  thing  which  restrained  me  from  riding 
out  to  the  attack  was  the  sheep-like  state  in  which 
my  people  would  have  been  had  I been  killed. 

What  also  would  have  become  of  the  province  ? 
1 am  now  a Tsung  Ping  Mandarin  (which  is  the 
second  highest  grade),  and  have  acquired  a good 
deal  of  influence.  I do  not  care  about  that  over- 
much. I am  quite  sure  I was  right  in  taking  over 
the  command,  as  you  would  say  if  you  saw  the 
ruthless  character  of  the  rebels. 

I know  that  I am  not  actuated  by  personal  con- 
siderations, but  merely  as  I think  will  be  most  con- 
ducive to  the  interests  of  our  government. 

I act  for  myself,  and  judge  for  myself  ; this  I have 
found  to  be  the  best  way  of  getting  on. 

Ninety-nine  men  out  of  a hundred  may  be  worth- 
less, but  we  should  go  on  and  find  the  hundredth. 

The  Yellow  Jacket,  which  has  been  conferred  on 


22 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


me,  is  a regular  Chinese  distinction,  with  which 
some  twenty  Mandarins  have  been  decorated  ; it 
constitutes  the  recipient  one  of  the  Emperor’s  body- 
guard. I do  not  care  twopence  about  these  things, 
but  know  that  you  and  my  father  like  them. 

Of  Captain  Craigie  (a  brother-officer  in  the 
Crimea),  I am  glad  to  say  that  he  was  a serious 
man.  The  shell  burst  above  him,  and  by  what  is 
called  chance  struck  him  in  the  back,  killing  him 
at  once. 

Lord  Raglan  died  of  tear  and  wear  and  general 
debility.  He  was  universally  regretted,  as  he  was 
so  kind.  His  life  has  been  entirely  spent  in  the 
service  of  his  country.  I hope  he  was  prepared, 
but  do  not  know. 

The  people  on  the  confines  are  suffering  greatly, 
and  are  in  fact  dying  of  starvation.  It  is  most  sad, 
this  state  of  affairs,  and  our  government  really 
ought  to  put  the  rebellion  down.  Words  could  not 
depict  the  horrors  these  people  suffer  from  the 
rebels,  or  describe  the  utter  deserts  they  have  made 
of  this  rich  province. 

I feel  convinced  that  the  rebel  chiefs  would  come 
to  terms  if  they  had  fair  ones  offered.  I mean  to 
do  my  best  to  bring  this  about,  and  am  sure  that 
if  I do  I shall  gain  a greater  victory  than  any  capt- 


THE  UNCROWNED  KING. 


23 


ures  of  cities  would  be.  ...  1 care  nothing 

for  a high  name. 

Men  at  times,  owing  to  the  mysteries  of  Provi- 
dence, form  judgments  which  they  afterward  repent 
of.  This  was  my  case  in  accepting  the  appointment 
Lord  Ripon  honored  me  in  offering  me.  I repented 
of  my  act  as  soon  as  I had  accepted  the  appoint- 
ment, and  I deeply  regret  that  I had  not  the  moral 
courage  to  say  so  at  that  time.  N othing  could  have 
exceeded  the  kindness  and  consideration  with  which 
Lord  Ripon  has  treated  me.  I have  never  met  any 
one  with  whom  I could  have  felt  greater  sympathy 
in  the  arduous  task  he  has  undertaken.  . . . The 
brusqueness  of  my  leaving  was  inevitable,  inasmuch 
as  my  stay  would  have  put  me  in  possession  of 
secrets  of  state  that — considering  my  decision  even- 
tually to  leave — 1 ought  not  to  know.  Certainly  I 
might  have  stayed  for  a month  or  two,  had  a pain 
in  the  hand,  and  gone  quietly  ; but  the  whole  duties 
were  so  distasteful  that  I felt — being  pretty  callous 
as  to  what  the  world  says — that  it  was  better  to  go 
at  once. 

I tell  you  truly  I do  not  want  anything,  either 
money  or  honors,  from  either  the  Chinese  Govern- 
ment or  our  own.  As  for  honors,  I do  not  value 
them  at  all,  and  never  did.  I know  that  I am 


24 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


doing  a great  deal  of  good,  and,  liking  my  profes- 
sion, do  not  mind  going  on  with  the  work  under  the 
circumstances.  ...  I should  have  refused  the 
ten  thousand  taels,  even  if  everything  had  gone 
well,  and  there  had  been  no  trouble  at  Soochow. 

1 think  that  any  one  who  contributes  to  putting 
down  this  rebellion  fulfils  a humane  task,  and,  1 
also  think,  tends  a great  deal  to  open  China  to  civ- 
ilization. I will  not  act  rashly,  and  I trust  soon  to 
be  able  to  return  to  England.  ...  I.  can  say 
that  if  I had  not  accepted  the  command,  I believe 
the  force  would  have  broken  up,  and  the  rebellion 
gone  on  in  its  misery  for  years.  I trust  this  will 
not  now  be  the  case.  ...  I think  I am  doing 
a good  service. 

A man  made  to  fight  against  his  will  is  not  only 
a bad  soldier,  but  he  is  a positive  danger,  causing 
anxiety  to  his  leaders,  and  absorbing  a large  force 
to  prevent  his  defection. 

1 can  say  that  few  men  have  so  much  faith  put 
in  them  by  the  Chinese  as  myself. 

If  we  try  to  drive  the  Chinese  into  sudden  re- 
forms, they  will  strike  and  resist  with  the  greatest 
obstinacy,  and  will  relapse  back  again  into  old  habits 
when  the  pressure  is  removed  ; but  if  we  lead 


THE  UNCROWNED  KIIsTG. 


25 


them,  we  shall  find  them  willing  to  a degree,  and 
more  easy  to  manage.  They  like  to  have  an  option, 
and  hate  having  a course  struck  out  for  them,  as  if 
they  were  of  no  account  in  the  matter.  They  also 
like  to  see  the  utility  of  the  course  proposed,  and 
to  have  the  reasons  for  the  same  explained  over 
and  over  again  ; and  they  are  also  quick  in  seeing 
advantages  and  disadvantages.  ...  I have 
got  on  by  proposing  to  them  a course  of  action  in 
such  a way  as  to  give  them  a certain  option  as  to 
whether  they  will  follow  it  or  not,  and  have  always 
endeavored  to  recommend  nothing  which  would 
clash  utterly  with  their  prejudices  ; by  this  means  1 
have  led  them  on  to  change  many  things,  which  1 
should  never  have  succeeded  in  doing  if  1 had  tried 
to  force  them  to  do  all  at  once. 

What  a complex  question  this  is  (the  slave  trade)  ! 
I wish  it  was  unravelled,  for  the  tension  on  me  now 
for  six  months  has  been  great,  and  I have  not  fin- 
ished the  half  of  my  troubles. 

I only  look  to  benefiting  the  peoples. 

With  terrific  exertions  I may  in  two  or  three 
years’  time,  with  God’s  administration,  make  a good 
province,  with  a good  army  and  a fair  revenue,  and 
peace  and  an  increased  trade,  and  also  have  sup- 
pressed slave  raids,  and  then  I will  come  home  and 


26 


CHINESE  GORDON", 


go  to  bed,  and  never  get  up  again  til]  noon  every- 
day, and  never  walk  more  than  a mile. 

The  government  of  the  Egyptians  in  those  far-off 
countries  is  nothing  else  hut  one  of  brigandage  of 
the  very  worst  description.  It  is  so  bad  that  all 
hope  of  ameliorating  it  is  hopeless  ; so  I am  doing 
the  only  thing  possible — that  is,  vacate  them.  I 
have  given  up  blaming  the  governors,  for  it  is  use- 
less, so  I send  them  to  Cairo. 

1 value  my  life  but  as  naught,  and  should  only 
leave  much  weariness  for  perfect  peace. 

Inclined  as  I am,  with  only  a small  degree  of  ad- 
miration for  military  exploits,  I esteem  it  a far 
greater  honor  to  promote  peace  than  to  gain  any 
petty  honors  in  a wretched  war. 

I do  not  write  the  details  of  my  misery.  They 
are  over,  thank  God  ! Sleeping  with  an  Abyssinian 
at  the  foot,  and  one  on  each  side  of  you,  is  not  com- 
fortable, and  so  I passed  my  last  night  in  Abyssinia. 

Bodily  Comfort — a very  strong  gentleman — says, 
“ You  are  well  ; you  have  done  enough  ; go  home 
— go  home  and  be  quiet,  and  risk  no  more.”  Mr. 
Reason  says,  u What  is  the  use  of  opening  more 
country  for  such  a government  ? There  is  more 
now  under  their  power  than  they  will  ever  manage. 


THE  UNCROWNED  KING. 


27 


Betire  now,  and  avoid  troubles  with  M’tesa  and  the 
Mission.”  But  Mr.  Somebody  (I  do  not  know 
wbat)  says,  “ Shut  your  eyes  to  what  may  happen 
in  future  ; leave  that  to  God,  and  do  what  you 
think  will  open  the  country  thoroughly  to  both 
lakes.  Do  this  not  for  the  Khedive,  or  for  his  gov- 
ernment, but  do  it  blindly  and  in  faith. 5 ’ An  oracle 
also  says,  “ Let  your  decision  rest  on  the  way  the 
Khedive  is  disposed  ; if  he  desires  you  to  stay,  then 
stay  ; but  if  he  seems  indifferent,  then  do  not  hesi- 
tate, but  go  away  for  good.” 

The  general  report  in  Cairo  was  that  I was  going 
in  for  being  sultan  ! But  it  would  not  suit  our 
family. 

I can  say  truly,  “ No  man  has  ever  been  so  forced 
into  a high  position  as  I have.  How  many  1 know 
to  'whom  the  incense  would  be  the  breath  of  their 
nostrils  ! To  me  it  is  irksome  beyond  measure. 
Eight  or  ten  men  to  help  me  off  my  camel  ! as  if  I 
were  an  invalid.  If  I walk,  every  one  gets  off  and 
walks  ; so,  furious,  I get  on  again.” 

I have  written  to  say  that  if  anything  happens  to 
me  the  Khedive  is  to  be  defended  from  all  blame, 
and  the  accident  is  not  to  be  put  down  to  the  sup- 
pression of  slavery.  I have  to  contend  with  many 
vested  interests,  with  fanaticism,  with  the  abolition 


28 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


of  hundreds  of  Arnauts,  Turks,  etc.,  now  acting  as 
Bashi-Bazouks ; with  inefficient  governors,  with 
wild  independent  tribes  of  Bedouins,  and  with  a 
large  semi-independent  province  lately  under  Se- 
behr,  the  black  Pasha,  at  Bahr  Gazelle. 

I have  shaken  my  heart  or  my  lungs  out  of  their 
places  (he  had  ridden  over  nearly  four  thousand 
miles  of  desert  within  the  year),  and  I have  the 
same  feeling  in  my  chest  as  you  have  when  you 
have  a crick  in  the  neck.  ...  I say  sincerely 
that,  though  I prefer  to  be  here  sooner  than  any- 
where, I would  sooner  be  dead  than  live  this  life. 

It  is  such  a country  (the  Soudan),  so  worthless  ; 
and  I see  nothing  to  be  gained  by  its  occupation. 

You  do  not  know  how  unpalatable  these  positions 
are  to  my  pride.  If  I had  my  way,  I would  have 
ridden  through  with  one  hundred  horsemen  and  not 
feared  ; it  is  the  grander  state  one  has  to  go  on. 

1 have  sent  my  journal  (of  1863)  home  to  H . 

I do  not  want  the  same  published,  as  I think  if 
my  proceedings  sink  into  oblivion  it  would  be  better 
for  every  one. 

Sometimes  1 wish  1 had  never  gone  into  this  sort 
of  Bedouin  life,  either  in  China  or  here.  Is  it  my 
fault  or  my  failing  that  I never  have  a respectable 


THE  UNCROWNED  KING. 


29 


assistant  with  me  to  bear  part  of  my  labors  ? The 
men  who  would  suit  me  are  all  more  or  less  bur- 
dened with  their  families,  etc. ; those  who  are  not  so 
loaded  are  for  money  or  for  great  acts,  which  do 
not  accord  with  my  views. 

I feel  very  sorry  for  the  poor  people,  for  they 
were  my  allies  at  Wadar,  and  through  their  absence 
with  me  their  possessions  were  exposed  to  the  at- 
tacks of  these  scoundrels.  What  misery  ! But  the 
Higher  than  the  highest  regardetli  it,  and  can  help 
them.  I cannot.* 

I would  give  my  life  for  these  poor  people  of  the 
Soudan.  How  can  I help  feeling  for  them  ? All 
the  time  I was  there,  every  night  I used  to  pray 
that  God  would  lay  upon  me  the  burden  of  their 
sins,  and  crush  me  with  it  instead  of  these  poor 
sheep.  I really  wished  and  longed  for  it. 

Ho  panic ; if  1 disappear  altogether  for  some 
months  do  not  be  afraid,  even  if  you  hear  that  I 
am  a prisoner.  Take  no  alarm  ; it  may  be  that 
only  by  being  made  a prisoner  1 may  be  able  to 
gain  access  to  the  Mahdi,  and  induce  him  to  permit 
the  garrisons  to  escape. 

I will  not  leave  these  people  after  all  they  have 
gone  through.  I shall  not  leave  Khartoum  until  I 
can  put  some  one  in. 


30 


CHINESE  GORDON, 


Tlie  prosperity  of  Egypt  can  only  follow  the  res- 
toration of  peace  in  the  Soudan. 

I will  look  after  the  troops  in  the  equator,  Bahr- 
el-Grhazel,  and  in  Darfu,  although  it  cost  me  my 
life. 

1 do  so  cordially  dislike  these  wretched  troops  ! 

In  all  cases  commanders  have  some  reli- 
able men.  There  is  a moral  conviction,  which  it  is 
necessary  for  soldiers  to  have — namely,  that  they 
will  conquer  ; let  this  be  wanting,  and  they  are 
worthless.  The  Khedive  has  not  taken  the  least 
notice  of  my  complaints  of  them,  but  urges  me 
on  still  further.  What  is  it  to  him  what  tenfold 
additional  trouble  I have  to  take  in  consequence  ! 

It  is  odd  that  the  totally  naked  tribes  seem  to  be 
in  one  circular  place,  between  Duffi  and  Fashoda, 
and  that  then  you  have  a ring  of  partially  naked, 
and  then  the  clothed  tribes.  Adam  knew  he  was 
naked,  but  these  naked  tribes  have  no  notion  of  it 
whatever  ; there  is  some  great  mystery.  Up  here 
they  are  all  clothed. 

I do  not  carry  arms,  as  I ought  to  do,  for  my 
whole  attention  is  devoted  to  defending  the  nape  of 
my  neck  from  mosquitoes. 

I go  with  only  a half  heart,  for  I would  wish  to 
be  at  Gallipoli.  I know  it  was  wrong  in  one  way, 


THE  UNCROWNED  KING. 


31 


bnt  I cannot  help  it.  It  would  be  a great  trouble 
for  the  Khedive,  I know  ; but  if  God  took  me  away 
he  would  not  have  any  trouble  in  finding  another 
worm  to  fill  the  place.  You  may  imagine  my  feel- 
ing in  going  down  to  Aden  to-morrow  just  at  the 
crisis  ; it  is  truly  dechirant. 

What  a mystery,  is  it  not  ? why  they  (the  natives) 
are  created  ! A life  of  fear  and  misery,  night  and 
day  ! One  does  not  wonder  at  their  not  fearing 
death.  Ko  one  can  conceive  the  utter  misery  of 
these  lands — heat  and  mosquitoes  day  and  night — 
all  the  year  round.  But  I like  the  work,  for  I 
believe  I can  do  a great  deal  to  ameliorate  the  lot 
of  the  people. 

I shall  hold  on  here  as  long  as  I can  ; and  if  I can 
suppress  the  rebellion,  I will  do  so.  If  I cannot,  I 
shall  retire  to  the  equator,  and  leave  you  the  indel- 
ible disgrace  of  abandoning  the  garrisons  of  Senaar, 
Kassala,  Berber,  and  Dongola,  with  the  certainty 
that  you  will  eventually  be  forced  to  smash  up  the 
Mahdi  under  great  difficulties,  if  you  would  retain 
peace  in  Egypt. 

I stay  at  Khartoum  because  Arabs  have  shut  us 
up  and  will  not  let  us  out.  I also  add  that,  even 
if  the  road  was  opened,  the  people  would  not  let 


32 


CHINESE  GORDON. 


me  go  unless  I gave  them  some  government  or  took 
them  with  me,  which  I cannot  do. 

Answer  to  the  Mahdi : 4£  If  you  are  the  true 
Mahdi,  dry  up  the  Nile,  and  come  and  take  me.” 

Khartoum , July  30,  1884. — Be  assured  that  these 
hostilities  are  far  from  being  sought  for,  but  we 
have  no  option.  Retreat  is  impossible,  unless  we 
abandon  the  employes  and  their  families,  which  the 
general  feeling  of  the  troops  is  against. 

Dec.  14,  1884.  To  a friend  in  Cairo. — Fare- 
well ! You  will  never  hear  from  me  again.  1 fear 
that  there  will  be  treachery  in  the  garrison,  and  all 
will  be  over  by  Christmas. 

“¥e  learn,  on  unquestionable  authority,  that 
General  Gordon  told  a Devonshire  friend  before 
leaving  for  the  Soudan  that  he  had  all  his  life  been 
affected  by  presentiment,  and  that  never,  even  in 
the  worst  times  in  China,  had  he  the  least  expecta- 
tion of  being  killed  ; but  on  this  occasion  he  had  a 
distinct  presentiment  that  he  would  never  return 
from  Khartoum  ; and  he  actually  distributed  a few 
trinkets  as  memorials. 5 ’ — Manchester  Evening  Mail. 


